It is always good to learn from a master – someone who has become (at least to some extent) an expert. We learn not only from the teaching of such a person, but also from his practice. Christians can and should learn from mature servants of the Lord such as Paul. We can learn much from his praying. We consider Philemon 4-7 Christian faith and love.
1. The commitment to prayer
Before presenting Philemon with his request regarding Onesimus, Paul assures Philemon of his prayers for him. Of fundamental importance to Paul is the relationship he sustains with Philemon. This is a vital part of Paul’s pastoral care for believers – it requires close personal involvement. Note ‘I always thank my God’ (v4) – this speaks of a close personal relationship with the Lord that will be reflected in how Paul relates to the Lord’s people. There is a warm devotion in Paul’s language and in his praying. This is how we ought to think of the Lord. This language reflects that of the Psalms: often the psalmist calls out to ‘my God’ (Psalm 3:7) for example. We also see Paul’s commitment to Philemon: ‘I remember you in my prayers’ (more literally ‘making mention of you’). The present tense of the verb indicates Paul’s regular, constant practice. Our praying for the Lord’s people requires the same commitment, rooted in love for the Lord and for his people.
2. The fuel for prayer
Our prayers can often be very general, even vague. God can and no doubt does answer such general prayers, but they may indicate laziness or lack of concern. The example of Paul shows the solution to such generalities – ‘because I hear about your faith’. He has obtained specific information about Philemon which serves as fuel for specific praying. In particular, ‘I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints’ (v5). Philemon manifests two vital Christian virtues and is clearly a man of outstanding spiritual character. Paul can be even more specific: ‘Your love has given me great joy and encouragement’. There is real warmth in Paul’s response. Note too Philemon’s ministry – ‘you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints’ (v7). The perfect tense speaks of the ongoing effects of Philemon’s activity. Remember how the Lord Jesus promised in Matthew 11:28 ‘I will give you rest/refreshment’. We should have the same concern as Paul to know and pray for believers’ real needs, and should rejoice to hear of others serving and growing in grace.
3. The content of prayer
In light of what he knows of Philemon and his work, Paul says, ‘I pray that…’ (v6). The verse is not easy to translate, but the meaning is fairly clear. Literally v6 says ‘that the sharing/fellowship of your faith may become active/effective/powerful’. Paul is describing not so much an evangelistic ministry (as in NIV), but rather stating that the blessings of Philemon’s faith are to be shared with others, as in his loving refreshment of the saints. Our faith is not private but is to be the source of blessing for others. This will in turn result in deeper blessing for Philemon: ‘so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ’. There is a healthy corporate life among God’s people that we should seek to experience in our own setting, a growth that blesses the whole body.